In Copenhagen, where Parken Stadium will host Denmark and Portugal on Sunday night, the visitors arrive with the Nations League group in their hands but an old certainty suddenly missing from the travelling party. Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portuguese camp after his exclusion from the 2-1 win over Norway, bringing an end to a remarkable personal sequence: he had not been left unused in a competitive Portugal match since 2008.
The 41-year-old was asked to warm up during the second half against Norway, only to remain on the bench. His visible frustration continued after the final whistle, when he went inside without acknowledging the supporters. He then missed the following two training days, turning a selection decision into a national argument. Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, travelled urgently in an attempt to settle the situation, but the dispute deepened.
Jesus stands by his selection plan
Jorge Jesus, Portugal’s coach, said before the Denmark match that Ronaldo’s absence had been tactical and that he had not initially realised how unhappy the forward had become. He insisted there had been no refusal to work, explaining that Ronaldo had completed gym work, mobility exercises on the pitch and muscle-strengthening work at the team hotel. Jesus said the player was expected to train, inviting observers to see the session for themselves.
The coach also revealed that Ronaldo had been told in advance he would not play against either Norway or Denmark. During the Norway game, however, Jesus briefly reconsidered and ordered him to prepare. “Any player who warms up for half an hour and does not get on will be frustrated,” was the essence of his explanation.
After those comments, Ronaldo again did not take part in training and departed the squad while at odds with his manager. He said he would speak when the time was right, but that the immediate priority was to support his Portugal teammates. The episode leaves open the question of whether one of the country’s defining international careers has already reached its final chapter.
Portugal seek to protect their lead in Copenhagen
On the football side, Portugal lead Nations League Group A4 with six points from two games, three ahead of both Denmark and Norway. Wales remain without a point. With Ronaldo absent, Ruben Dias and Bruno Fernandes are set to share the responsibility represented by his captain’s armband.
Denmark, led by Brian Riemer, are expected to line up with Jorgensen; Kristensen, Andersen, Provstgaard and Maehle; Hjulmand and Hojbjerg; Isaksen, Damsgaard and Daramy; with Hojlund leading the attack.
Portugal’s likely side under Jesus is Diogo Costa; Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Renato Veiga and Nuno Mendes; Vitinha and Joao Neves; Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Félix; with Gonçalo Ramos up front. Ukrainian referee Mykola Balakin will oversee the 20:45 match at Parken Stadium.
